January 15, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Cooper Flagg (ankle) won't suit up against the Utah Jazz on Thursday. Flagg left Wednesday's loss early and will sit out the evening due to a sprained left ankle. Without Flagg,
Anthony Davis (finger) and
P.J. Washington (ankle), a depleted Mavs rotation will rely on
Brandon Williams,
Jaden Hardy,
Ryan Nembhard,
Caleb Martin, and
Naji Marshall to carry heavier workloads during tonight's tilt.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Mavs PR
January 15, 2026
San Francisco 49ers tight end
George Kittle (Achilles) underwent successful surgery to fix his torn right Achilles tendon on Wednesday, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Kittle was placed on Injured Reserve on Wednesday and will miss the rest of the playoffs. Because his injury occurred so late in the year, too, the 32-year-old veteran almost certainly won't be ready for the start of the 2026 campaign this fall. In fact, he could end up missing the majority of next regular season after tearing his Achilles in the Wild-Card win over the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday. Going into this Saturday's NFC Divisional contest against the Seattle Seahawks,
Jake Tonges will take over as the Niners' top pass-catching tight end. Kittle, a seven-time Pro Bowler, still has high-end TE1 upside when healthy, but durability concerns will drastically affect his 2026 fantasy value.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Vic Tafur
January 15, 2026
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) will not be activated from Injured Reserve for Saturday's Divisional Round contest in Seattle against the division-rival Seahawks, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The extremely banged-up 49ers' defense won't get Warner back, and they'll also be without safety Ji'Ayir Brown (hamstring). Meanwhile, linebackers Luke Gifford (quadriceps) and Dee Winters (ankle) are questionable. San Fran's defense did a very respectable job last weekend, slowing down the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild-Card round, considering how decimated they've been by injuries all year. If they can somehow pull off the upset against Seattle on Saturday night, Warner will be itching to return for the NFC Championship against either the Los Angeles Rams or the Chicago Bears. Warner has been out since dislocating and fracturing his ankle back in Week 6.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
January 15, 2026
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that wide receiver
Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) will be questionable to play in the Divisional Round of the playoffs on Saturday evening on the road against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Pearsall missed a good chunk of his second NFL season due to a sprained PCL in his right knee, and he's also missed three of the last four games, including last week's Wild-Card win over the Philadelphia Eagles, after aggravating his knee. San Fran could really use the 25-year-old former first-rounder back against Seattle after losing tight end
George Kittle to a torn Achilles tendon last Sunday. Pearsall was limited in practice all week and is optimistic he'll be available on Saturday night. He did go over 100 receiving yards in two of his last three games, but Pearsall has been very hit or miss and injury-prone, making him extremely volatile as a fantasy option in playoff leagues in a bad matchup if he's active.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
January 15, 2026
Seattle Seahawks quarterback
Sam Darnold (oblique) was added to the injury report on Thursday with an oblique injury and is questionable to play in the Divisional Round on Saturday night against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers, according to Curtis Crabtree of FOX 13 Seattle. However, Darnold is fully expected to play through his questionable tag this week. The 28-year-old was listed as limited in Thursday's practice. "I feel good...in routes on air, I just felt a little something in my oblique. I just didn't want to push it. It wasn't the day to push it, so that was it. I came inside, got some rehab, and I feel like I'll be ready to go for Saturday," Darnold said. The former first-rounder should be fine to play against a Niners team that he has yet to throw a touchdown against in two games this year. In the Week 18 win over the 49ers, Darnold threw for 198 yards with no TDs or interceptions.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX 13 Seattle - Curtis Crabtree
January 15, 2026
Detroit Pistons forward
Tobias Harris (hip) will suit up Thursday against the Phoenix Suns. Harris has missed five consecutive contests with a left hip sprain and will make his first appearance in 2026. The 33-year-old has been a regular starter throughout the 2025-26 season.
Javonte Green started on Saturday versus the Clippers and will return to the bench during tonight's tilt. However, Green may still see extended playing time as Harris' minutes could be restricted in his return.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Detroit Pistons center
Jalen Duren (ankle) will suit up against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday. He's been cleared after sitting out four games due to a right ankle sprain. Big man
Isaiah Stewart (illness) has also been upgraded to available for tonight's tilt.
Paul Reed could slide further down the depth chart, while
Tolu Smith may end up outside the rotation with Duren and Stewart returning to action. Duren is having a big campaign, averaging 17.9 points and 10.6 rebounds, while Stewart has posted averages of 10.4 points and 5.6 rebounds across 23 outings.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves guard
Anthony Edwards (foot) won't play on Friday in Houston. He also didn't suit up on Tuesday against Milwaukee. As a result,
Mike Conley entered the starting lineup, finishing with nine points, five assists, and three rebounds. While Conley might continue to get a statistical boost,
Julius Randle and
Jaden McDaniels should remain the most productive on the scoring end, with the duo combining for 46 points versus the Bucks. The Timberwolves will play again on Saturday in San Antonio, although it appears Edwards has a chance to return for that one.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Damon Severson (illness) is ready to re-enter the lineup on Thursday against the Vancouver Canucks. He missed Tuesday's victory over the Calgary Flames due to illness. Severson is a solid top-four piece for Columbus and will skate with Ivan Provorov. Additionally, he will rejoin the second power-play unit. Severson has collected 17 points (three goals, 14 assists) in 45 appearances, with 59 shots, 48 blocks, and 31 hits. The Blue Jackets' defense will also welcome back Erik Gudbranson (hip) on Thursday night. He will join the third defensive pairing after missing nearly three months with a hip injury. Egor Zamula and Dysin Mayo will exit the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 15, 2026
Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill (lower body) was activated from Injured Reserve and is set to play on Thursday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. Hill has been out since Oct. 20 due to a lower-body injury. He made five appearances before being hurt, going 1-0-2 with a 2.73 goals-against average and a .888 save percentage. Hill returns at a good time, as Carter Hart (lower body) recently departed the lineup and is considered week-to-week. On Thursday, Vegas moved Hart to Injured Reserve.
--Taavi PailkSource: Danny Webster
January 15, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Darius Garland (foot) is listed as out for Friday's rematch with Philadelphia. He had 20 points when these clubs met on Wednesday. However, his night ended abruptly due to a right toe injury. Fortunately, it's not the same toe that Garland had surgery on during the offseason. For now, fantasy managers can consider the 25-year-old as day-to-day. As far as his absence on Friday is concerned,
Jaylon Tyson, averaging 13.3 points, 5.5 boards, and 1.0 steals in 22 starts this season, is the favorite to replace him in the rotation, with
Craig Porter Jr. in line for more minutes and scoring opportunities.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Chris Fedor
January 15, 2026
Seattle Kraken defenseman Brandon Montour (hand) was activated from Injured Reserve, Mike Benton of the Kraken Audio Network reports. Earlier in the day, Montour was labeled a game-time call for Thursday's tilt against the Boston Bruins, but his activation is a clear signal he is ready to play. Montour has missed nearly a month due to a hand injury. He has amassed 16 points (six goals, 10 assists), 68 shots, 35 blocks, and 34 hits in 27 outings this season. Cale Fleury will likely make way for Montour in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: Mike Benton
January 15, 2026
Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (lower body) will remain on the shelf for a third straight contest on Thursday against the Winnipeg Jets. He skated on his own Thursday morning and remains day-to-day. Eriksson Ek is expected to travel with the team and could be an option on Saturday afternoon against the Buffalo Sabres. Danila Yurov will continue as the first-line center against the Jets, while Ryan Hartman has moved to the second line in Eriksson Ek's absence. Hartman has been on a bit of a heater lately, scoring in three of the last four games.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 15, 2026
Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin (lower body) is considered week-to-week and was moved to Injured Reserve on Thursday. The Swedish blue-liner is dealing with a lower-body issue and could miss the Olympics because of the injury. Brodin has recently improved his offensive production, reaching 15 points (three goals, 12 assists) for the season. Additionally, he has recorded 43 shots and 91 hits in 42 appearances, posting a plus-15 rating. While Minnesota added Carson Lambos to the roster on Thursday with a call-up from the minors, David Spacek is expected to take Brodin's spot in the lineup against the Winnipeg Jets. The 22-year-old will make his NHL debut after amassing 19 points (three goals, 16 assists) in 35 AHL appearances this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Minnesota Wild
January 15, 2026
According to Sean Cunningham of NBC Sacramento, Kings forward
Domantas Sabonis (knee) was a full participant in Thursday's practice. Cunningham added there's also "optimism" that he could return "as early" as Friday's meeting with the Washington Wizards. The 29-year-old hasn't had his best season in 2025, although he still produces at a high level, averaging 17.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. Unfortunately, a partially torn meniscus in his left knee caused him to miss the last 27 contests. At any rate, it appears Sabonis is close to getting back on the court, giving fantasy managers something to look forward to. He'll likely be limited for at least a few games. However, Sabonis should still be added back to all fantasy lineups once he's officially cleared to suit up.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Sean Cunningham
January 15, 2026
Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (personal) won't play on Thursday night against the Utah Mammoth. He is currently out of the lineup for personal reasons, missing a second straight game. Heiskanen sits eighth among defensemen in scoring, producing 36 points (seven goals, 29 assists) in 46 appearances this season. Ilya Lyubushkin re-entered the lineup as Heiskanen's replacement on Tuesday night against the Anaheim Ducks. With Heiskanen out, Thomas Harley logged nearly four minutes of power-play time on Tuesday. Heiskanen's next opportunity to return will be on Sunday against the red-hot Tampa Bay Lightning.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 15, 2026
St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas (lower body) was moved to Injured Reserve on Thursday and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. Thomas came out of the lineup earlier this week due to a lower-body injury. It's now uncertain whether he can return before the Olympic break. Thomas leads the Blues with 22 assists and 33 points, appearing in 42 games this season. Brayden Schenn has taken over top-line center duties, with Dalibor Dvorsky also seeing top-six action. Both players made a positive impact in Tuesday's 3-0 win over the Carolina Hurricanes, as Dvorsky scored St. Louis' second goal and Schenn produced a power-play assist.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 15, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Jerami Grant (Achilles) has spent about a month recovering from left Achilles tendonitis, but he was listed as probable for his team's home game against the Hawks on Thursday night. Grant will likely carry as much of the offense as he can with
Deni Avdija (back) still absent for a second straight game. After so long a layoff, Grant will likely have a minutes restriction, but the veteran showed he can still post good numbers by averaging 21.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 0.8 blocks in 32.9 minutes per contest over his last 13 appearances.
Sidy Cissoko is most likely heading to the bench Thursday with
Caleb Love starting for Avdija, although the Blazers could opt to keep Cissoko in the starting five and slide Grant into Avdija's spot.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (lower body) will remain out on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks. Washington's leading scorer isn't ready to return to the lineup despite fully participating in Wednesday's practice. Wilson will be sidelined for a sixth consecutive game, with his next opportunity to return coming on Saturday against the Florida Panthers. Justin Sourdif (upper body) will miss a second straight game, giving Ethen Frank a chance to move into the top six. Frank has impressed recently with a three-game goal streak. He's in a great spot to make further damage on Thursday night, as San Jose has one of the weakest defenses in the league and allows an average of 31 shots on goal.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 15, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Deni Avdija (back) will miss a second straight game on Thursday night, when his team hosts the Hawks. Avdija sustained a back injury on Sunday and missed Tuesday's game, allowing
Caleb Love to make the start against the Warriors. Love had 17 points, three rebounds, seven assists, one block, and two steals over 34 minutes in the Blazers' loss, and he'll be a solid streaming or DFS play this Thursday with Avdija out again. Love has scored double-digit points in 12 straight games and deserves fantasy attention for as long as he stays so involved in Portland's rotation, either in the lineup or off the bench. Avdija's next chance to return will be Saturday against the Lakers.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Washington Capitals defenseman Jakob Chychrun (illness) will return to action on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks. He has been unavailable for a pair of games due to illness. Chychrun ranks second among defensemen with 15 goals and has managed 32 points in 45 games. Over his last six appearances, Chychrun has managed only two points. However, he finds himself in a fantastic fantasy matchup on Thursday, as San Jose gives up the third-most goals in the league (3.58 per game). Trevor van Riemsdyk will exit the lineup to accommodate Chychrun's return.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 15, 2026
Retired left-hander
Clayton Kershaw will suit up one last time for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, USA Baseball announced on Thursday. After winning back-to-back World Series titles, Kershaw, an 11-time All-Star, three-time National League Cy Young winner, and 2014 NL MVP, will ride off into the sunset after representing his country. It will be Kershaw's first time taking part in the WBC after he had to withdraw from the 2023 edition due to insurance issues. "I learned a long time ago, you just want to be a part of great things, and this team seems like a really fun, awesome group," the 37-year-old future Hall of Famer said. Kershaw was an all-time great in his 18 big-league seasons, also winning five ERA titles and becoming the fourth lefty to join the 3,000-strikeout club. The Dodgers legend just wants to be an insurance option for Team USA's pitching staff and most likely won't be on the mound much.
--Keith HernandezSource: USA Baseball
January 15, 2026
Dallas Mavericks forward
P.J. Washington (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's home game against Utah, as the team tries to manage his return from an ankle injury. Washington missed four games due to an ankle sprain but played 31 minutes in his return on Wednesday in the team's loss to the Bulls. His shot looked a little rusty, but if he plays on Thursday, he could be set up for a huge workload since
Anthony Davis (finger) remains out,
Cooper Flagg (ankle) and
Max Christie (illness) are doubtful, and
Daniel Gafford (ankle) is questionable. Washington will be an important update to watch for, since if he's out as well, there will be even more work for the value options in Dallas.
Naji Marshall,
Brandon Williams,
Ryan Nembhard, and
Jaden Hardy will all have to carry more of the scoring load if Washington joins the other Mavs' starters on the bench. On the other hand, if he plays, he'll get as much work as he can handle in a favorable matchup against the Jazz's banged-up frontcourt.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
In his first career playoff appearance, New England Patriots quarterback
Drake Maye led his team to a 16-3 win in the Wild Card round over the Los Angeles Chargers. The 23-year-old completed 17 of 29 pass attempts for 268 yards, one touchdown, and one interception while adding 66 rushing yards on 10 attempts. However, Maye also fumbled twice, one of which was recovered by the Chargers. Maye's production upside remains sky-high, but any potential ball security issues may only be exacerbated in the Divisional Round against the Houston Texans. Houston allowed the seventh-fewest passing yards (3,486) in the regular season while ranking tied for third in interceptions (19). The Texans' defense is also coming off a dominating performance in the Wild Card round against the Pittsburgh Steelers, in which it forced two turnovers, recorded four sacks, and allowed just six points. Maye's rushing ability could carry him to success, but the difficult matchup makes him a low-end quarterback option for fantasy managers in the Divisional Round.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 15, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard
Max Christie (illness) will likely miss a second straight game after being listed as doubtful for Thursday's game against the Jazz, which finishes out his team's back-to-back. The Mavs didn't have Christie against the Bulls on Wednesday, and they also lost
Cooper Flagg (ankle) in that contest. Flagg is also doubtful for Thursday's matchup, leaving lots of time and usage available in the backcourt for
Brandon Williams,
Ryan Nembhard,
Jaden Hardy, and
Naji Marshall. If Christie can make it back into the lineup before Flagg, he could get expanded usage and be an interesting fantasy option, but he'll need to beat this illness first.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
Chicago Bears running back
D'Andre Swift was one of the stars of his team's Wild-Card win over the Green Bay Packers, recording 92 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 15 touches. Swift and Bears rookie back
Kyle Monangai split playing time nearly evenly, with Swift earning 39 snaps and Monangai 36. However, Swift was the more productive player of the two, as Monangai was held to 49 scrimmage yards on nine touches. Chicago is now set to host the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round of the NFC playoffs. The Rams' run defense performed well during the regular season, but allowed three rushing touchdowns to the Carolina Panthers in the Wild Card round. Swift profiles as the priority player in the Bears' backfield for fantasy managers in the Divisional round against Los Angeles.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
January 15, 2026
New York Knicks center
Mitchell Robinson (ankle) will sit out the second game of his team's back-to-back for injury management purposes on Thursday night as they face the Warriors. Robinson played 19 minutes and had eight points and 11 rebounds against the Kings on Wednesday, and in his absence,
Ariel Hukporti and
Guerschon Yabusele will likely split the backup minutes at center behind
Karl-Anthony Towns on Thursday. KAT will have to carry more of the offensive workload, with Robinson being joined by
Jalen Brunson (ankle) on the sidelines on Thursday night.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
New York Knicks guard
Landry Shamet (shoulder) hasn't played since Nov. 22, but he seems to be nearing a return since he was listed as questionable for Thursday night's road matchup against the Warriors. Shamet sprained his shoulder against the Magic just before Thanksgiving and returned to practice on Tuesday. With
Jalen Brunson (ankle) out Thursday, Shamet could help fill in along with
Tyler Kolek,
Miles McBride, and
Jordan Clarkson. He will likely be limited in his first few games back after such a long absence, but he's definitely worth watching to see how he fits into the Knicks' suddenly crowded backcourt. Shamet was playing well in his last 11 games before sustaining the injury, averaging 11.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 2.3 three-pointers, and 0.5 steals in 24.4 minutes per game.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
January 15, 2026
New England Patriots tight end
Hunter Henry (knee) returned to full practice participation on Thursday after being listed as limited on Wednesday due to a knee injury. Barring a setback, it appears as though Henry is on track to play in New England's Divisional Round matchup against the Houston Texans. The 31-year-old was one of the stars of his team's Wild Card Weekend win over the Los Angeles Chargers, hauling in three catches for 64 yards and a touchdown on five targets. Dating back to the regular season, Henry has now recorded a touchdown grab in three out of his last four outings. Houston profiles as a difficult matchup, as it has allowed the seventh-fewest receiving yards to tight ends in the NFL so far this season. Still, Henry's touchdown upside makes him a solid tight end option for fantasy managers in the Divisional Round.
--Will BradySource: New England Patriots
January 15, 2026
New York Knicks guard
Jalen Brunson (ankle) will not play Thursday, as expected, after he departed Wednesday's game after just five minutes with an ankle sprain. While Brunson will miss Thursday's game against the Warriors, the good news is that the fantasy stud is considered day-to-day, and he may not be out long-term. As for Thursday, the Knicks will likely lean on
Miles McBride,
Tyler Kolek, and
Jordan Clarkson in the backcourt while
Mikal Bridges and
Karl-Anthony Towns could get more work as well. The Knicks also could get back
Landry Shamet (shoulder), who is questionable after missing almost two months with a shoulder injury.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Shams Charania
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